Roskilde University (RUC) has seen a significant increase in master’s students from Bangladesh, with one in six new admissions in 2024 coming from the South Asian country. This surge has sparked political debate amid concerns about foreign labor and access to the Danish labor market.

In 2024, RUC admitted 300 students from Bangladesh, a sharp rise from only nine students in 2020. The increase coincides with ongoing discussions about foreign labor policies, including a new business scheme that lowers the salary threshold for employing workers from selected non-EU countries.

The influx of Bangladeshi students raises concerns because, unlike the business scheme which doesn’t include Bangladesh, a study visa allows students and their spouses to access the Danish labor market. This bypasses regulations intended to prevent the exploitation of low-wage workers from third-world countries. Several agencies specialize in assisting Bangladeshi students with their study visa applications to Danish universities.

Political parties, including Liberal Alliance, Dansk Folkeparti, and Danmarksdemokraterne, are calling for immediate action. Hans Kristian Skibby (DD) suggests aligning state education regulations with those of non-state education. Immigration and Integration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek acknowledges the issue and is open to considering changes to the rules for state education.

Roskilde University acknowledges the increased interest from Bangladeshi applicants, stating that other Danish universities are experiencing a similar trend. The university, along with others, is in communication with the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science to address the situation.